I've learned over time that planning a trip is only half the battle. It's one thing to have a plan... it's something else to execute it. Given all the variables involved, it was remarkable how well all of our connections were made. Susan arranged our 6 weary travelers to be met at the airport by someone I will call a facilitator. He shepherded us thru the various government checkpoints and delivered us in record time to transportation waiting at the curb, to take us to our hotel. This assistance was worth it's weight in gold. All of our transportation and transfers were conducted in an equally efficient manner thanks to Susan's selection of vendors. Of special note is the way she arranged for us to be guided thru the process of moving thru the Israeli and Jordanian checkpoints when we went back and forth across the border. We were always guided by another of Susan's facilitators. This thoughtful service did a lot to reduce the anxiety associated with the process.
While Susan's selection of excellent hotels with the grand breakfast buffets added to our enjoyment of our visit, it was the guides that she selected that made the trip, the wonderful experience that it was. These two gentlemen, Israel Garfinkel in Israel and Audi Shoubaki in Jordan were everything you could ask for in a guide. They were both knowledgeable about their country and the sites we visited as well as being well versed in their history and culture, as well as, today's political realities and how they effect the country and it's citizens. During the course of each day we spent with them, it was clear that their goal was to teach us about their country, make sure we enjoyed ourselves and provide for our comfort and safety.They are accomplished those goals with room to spare.
The itinerary, the hotels, the activities and the guides were great.... but it all comes back to Susan who put it all together.